Blown transformer cuts power to hundreds in Rochester

ROCHESTER — The power is back on after a large outage shut down most of the downtown area Friday night and Saturday along Union and Main Street.

A transformer located near Hervey's Tire on Union Street overheated shortly after the fire on 6 North Main St. around 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Rochester Fire responded to the scene and Public Service of New Hampshire continued to work until Saturday evening.

The transformer blew and left hundreds of customers without power, many who were businesses. Customers were put on generators that PSNH crews installed while repairs were being made.

Power crews repaired the underground power system by replacing the transformer completely.

PSNH spokesman, Martin Murray, said all customers had returned to their normal systems of power between 7:00 and 7:45 p.m. on Saturday.

"It was a close call," said Rochester Fire Assistant Chief Mark Dupuis. "It had very big potential to shut down most of the downtown area."

The Rochester Fair was not affected by the outage.

"Due to a lot of work by PSNH, they were able to isolate the outage to just Union and Main Street," said Dupuis.

Dupuis said traffic along Union Street was heavy at times. Only one lane was open until around noon on Saturday, according to Dave Meserve of PSNH. The traffic was also due to people heading to the fair which began Friday.